Annette Gregg becomes first woman CEO of World Trade Centers Association
Representative image: Pexels / Pixabay
Annette Gregg took charge as CEO of the World Trade Centers Association on October 5, 2026, the first woman to lead it in 57 years.
What Happened
The World Trade Centers Association (WTCA), the global body that links World Trade Center sites around the world, has appointed Annette Gregg as its chief executive, the first woman to hold the post in the organisation's 57-year history. The association announced the appointment on Monday, October 5, 2026, the day she took up the role. Gregg will lead the association from its global headquarters at One World Trade Center in New York. According to WTCA, its network connects more than 300 World Trade Center locations across nearly 100 countries and territories, which work to promote trade and business links between cities.
Key Facts
- Annette Gregg became CEO of the World Trade Centers Association on October 5, 2026.
- She is the first woman to lead the association since it was founded 57 years ago.
- WTCA says its network covers more than 300 World Trade Center locations in nearly 100 countries and territories.
- Gregg previously led the Society for Incentive Travel Excellence (SITE), a global association of about 3,700 members and 27 chapters; WTCA says SITE's revenue rose 160% and its membership more than 70% in three years under her.
- Before that she was Chief Revenue Officer at Meeting Professionals International, responsible for about 70% of that organisation's revenue.
- She has more than 30 years of leadership experience in associations, private companies, business events and hospitality.
- WTCA board chair John E. Drew described the appointment as part of the association's next phase of growth.
Why It Matters
Trade bodies and business associations shape where companies meet, invest and build partnerships. In 57 years, WTCA had never had a woman at its head, so Gregg's appointment is a clear first for one of the most widely spread business networks. It also shows a path into leadership that is often overlooked: Gregg's career was built not in large corporations or government, but in membership associations and the business events industry.
Her record is also worth noting for its focus on growth. The figures WTCA cites, a 160% rise in revenue and more than 70% growth in members at SITE over three years, suggest the board chose her to expand a network rather than simply maintain it. For women aiming at senior roles, that is a reminder that measurable results in revenue and membership often carry more weight than titles when boards make their choice.
For Indian readers, the appointment is a useful example of how leadership in global institutions is opening up. Associations and trade networks that connect cities and businesses across borders need leaders who can bring members together across cultures, and Gregg's background in building international communities fits that need. Indian women working in events, trade promotion and association management can look to such roles as a realistic route to global leadership.
| Career step | Role |
|---|---|
| Meeting Professionals International | Chief Revenue Officer |
| Society for Incentive Travel Excellence | Head of the global association |
| World Trade Centers Association | CEO from October 5, 2026 |
Impact
Short-term: Gregg takes charge of WTCA's network and its New York headquarters, with the board looking to her to lead its next phase of growth.
Long-term: Her appointment gives women in trade promotion and association work a visible example of a route to the top job in a global network.
Who is affected: WTCA's member World Trade Centers and the businesses that use them, staff of the association, and women building careers in trade promotion, events and association management.
Key Takeaway
Annette Gregg has become the first woman to lead the World Trade Centers Association in its 57-year history.
Questions and Answers
Who is the new CEO of the World Trade Centers Association?
Annette Gregg, who took over on October 5, 2026 and is the first woman to lead the association in its 57-year history.
What did Annette Gregg do before joining WTCA?
She led the Society for Incentive Travel Excellence (SITE) and earlier served as Chief Revenue Officer at Meeting Professionals International.
How big is the World Trade Centers Association?
According to the association, its network connects more than 300 World Trade Center locations in nearly 100 countries and territories.
Where will she be based?
At the association's global headquarters at One World Trade Center in New York.
Disclaimer: Prepared by the Peepals newsroom from publicly available sources with AI assistance. Information is accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time of publication and may change. Images may be representative. Not professional advice. Report an error via our contact page.
Sourced and fact-checked by the Peepals Global Editorial Team
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